Cold weather sees people all saying same thing as temperatures plummet to -2.7C

Woman wrapped in a blanket
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


Although the calendar is still marking it as summer in the UK, Brits are wrapping up warm to fend off an unseasonal chill.

The official end of summer is not until September 22nd this year, marked by the autumnal equinox which occurs in September.

Yet, rather than basking in late-summer warmth, Britons have been bracing against a surprising cold snap, with temperatures plummeting below zero in several regions this week.

An Arctic air surge has brought unexpectedly frosty conditions for this time of year, with North Yorkshire's Topcliffe feeling the bite at -2.7C and Eskdalemuir in Scotland recording a nippy -2.5C on the night of Thursday (September 12).

READ MORE: Wearing item of clothing keeps you feeling warm – and may save money on heating

Consequently, many residents have been compelled to crank up their heating, with social media buzzing with comments from those astonished by the September chill.

One individual posted: "Insane how I need the central heating on in September." Anothershared the sentiment, stating: "It is SEPTEMBER and my house is 15.5 degrees! ! ! Might be the earliest I've ever stuck the heating on."

Queries like, "Why am I currently considering putting my heating on IN SEPTEMBER," were also common.

Another person went viral online as they asked: "Has anybody else reached to turn the heating on yet?!" Numerous people admitted they had, as someone wrote: "Yes, house has to be warm and an even temperature 24/7 for my health." Others also admitted they'd turned on the heating 'for an hour or so'.

However, although some people have succumbed to the chilly snap, others are resolute that their heating won't be switched on until at least October. One individual posted: "I'm willing to put on a third cardigan this morning. Under no circumstances is the heating going on." While another chimed in: "I'm not giving in. The heating is not going on."

A third concurred: "NO. It's September FFS. Socks and jumpers. Weather's warming up next week." Another person stated they never turn their heating on until the October half term.

The NHS recommends turning on your heating when outdoor temperatures fall below 15C for health reasons. This typically happens around October 20th, as from this date onwards, temperatures aren't expected to exceed 15C for the remainder of the year.

If you were contemplating switching on your heating this weekend, you might want to hold off as it's forecasted that Brits should enjoy balmy 20C weather this weekend.

Daytime highs of 20C are anticipated in the south on Saturday and Sunday and 17C in the far north, signalling a shift towards more typical early autumn weather. Warmer conditions are also reportedly set to continue into next week due to the replacement of the Arctic air with a new high pressure front, with temperature peaks of 24C in some areas.

Met Office forecasters also predict more settled conditions, although occasional showers are still possible in the north.

READ MORE: Scotland sees first snowfall in September as temperatures drop below 0C